Mum's safety wish in name of Blackburn man killed by a single punch (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Mum's safety wish in name of Blackburn man killed by a single punch

1:25pm Thursday 1st November 2012 in News By Lisa Woodhouse, Assistant picture editor

A GRIEVING mother has urged young drinkers to ‘stay safe until Christmas and beyond’ as the latest stage of a campaign against alcohol-fuelled violence launches.

Pat and David Rogers, from Blackburn, set up a charity after their 24-year-old son, Adam, was killed in 2009 after a single punch.

Adam had been enjoying a night out with friends in Blackburn when they got involved in a scuffle with another group.

The Padiham Ladies’ football coach had been acting as a peacemaker in the incident when he was punched once by William Upton, then aged 16 and from Rishton, hitting his head on the pavement. He later died from head injuries in hospital.

Following his death his parents, Pat and David, set up the 'Every Action Has Consequences’ charity, supported by the Lancashire Telegraph, which is aimed at making young people aware of the dangers of alcohol.

At the launch of the charity’s latest scheme, Pat said: “We want people to drink responsibly, and stay safe over the Christmas period and beyond.”

More than 7,000 posters and 70,000 beer mats are being sent to pubs and clubs in Lancashire this month, as the charity teams up with Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool trading standards.

Pat added: “It’s very painful but we have to live with what’s happened. It doesn’t change the grief that we feel.

“It was heart-breaking putting together the slides for the campaign. I just wanted to wind the clock back to before it happened.

“If we can feel like we are making a difference, then that’s the best legacy that we can leave for Adam.”

The posters and beer mats, and an increased police presence, will be rolled out in different town centres every Saturday from November 24 – including Clitheroe, Accrington, Blackburn and Darwen.

Licensees will be encouraged to support the Check 25 scheme – reminding people who appear to be under 25 that they will be asked to produce identification to buy alcohol.

The beer mats and posters were unveiled at The Calder Pub, in Blackburn Road, Accrington, yesterday with Assistant Chief Constable Mark Bates, Pat and David, local licensees and representatives from local councils.